On the elections and the future of America

On Wednesday, I publicly congratulated Sen. Barack Obama on becoming the president elect of the United States of America.  This is not an endorsement of President-elect Obama's views, opinions or record in the Senate.  It is simply an acknowledgement of excellent strategy and tactics in one of the most vigorous campaigns I have seen! And also, trying to see the positive in a situation that I cannot change. 

This is an historic time for our country and one that we can find hope in, for one big reason, regardless of who you voted for:  We have, as a country, taken a huge step toward resolving the racial issues that have plagued our nation for centuries.  This is a good thing. This is a defining moment in our history!  And that one part of the definition, I can support and be proud of!

Do I have concerns over the future of the USA?  yes.  Do I fear the future? no.  Pres-elect Obama does not dictate our futures as individuals or even as a nation!  God is still sovereign and my hope lies in that fact. 

I have seen and heard so much about the judgement of God coming to America, now, like this is a new thing!  Have people had their eyes closed for 40 years?  We have been experiencing His judgement for a while.  Will it get worse?  Maybe.  But I believe in a God of mercy whose heart can be swayed by the prayers of His people.  I prayed, I voted and now I will pray some more.  

I believe that God's heart breaks for the deaths of the unborn. And that He greives with every mother and father who loses a child in the war on terrorism.  There are many things that we, as a nation, have allowed that are unholy; many things that we have perverted to placate the flesh and enemy alike.  But we will NEVER solve ANY of these issues with legislation (although I will still vote, lobby and pray pro-life every chance I get!).  What will change America is a radical change of heart and that is only accomplished by the Holy Spirit. Only when we fall more in love with Jesus than our wallets, more in love with the Son than our own ambitions, More in love with our Savior than our comforts.... only then will we see the changes in society that we all seek.

Now is the time for all Christians to unite in prayer for all of our elected leaders, to ask God to give them HIS wisdom as they plan out their administrations and chose those with whom they will work most closely.  Pray that hearts will be opened to a spirit of cooperation; that compromise can be found in ways to uphold morality and integrity while still moving this nation forward.  That God would change hearts and lives in our leadership and in our people. With God's help, I believe this is possible. But we MUST pray!

Proverbs 21

 1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; 
       he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.

1 Timothy 2

 1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Hebrews 13:16-18 

16And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.17Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

1 Peter 2:12-14 

12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

Romans 13

 1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.